In the past week, the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council held several meetings, including the Cabinet on Thursday, 20 June 2024, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday, 17 June 2024, and the Planning Committee on Wednesday, 19 June 2024.

Cabinet Meeting

The Cabinet meeting on Thursday, 20 June 2024, was particularly impactful, focusing on key decisions that will shape the future of the borough.

Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan

One of the most significant decisions was the approval of the Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan to proceed to a referendum. This plan has been in development for several years and has now been reviewed by an independent examiner. The Cabinet agreed to publish the examiner's recommendations, approve the modifications, and move the plan to a referendum scheduled for 5 September 2024. If the referendum is positive, the plan will become part of the statutory development plan for Capel Parish.

High Weald AONB Management Plan

The Cabinet also approved the High Weald AONB Management Plan for 2024-2029. This plan, developed in collaboration with 14 other councils, aims to manage and conserve the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Key elements include a service level agreement with East Sussex, a revised financial contribution, and the adoption of a Dark Skies Planning Advice Note to minimize light pollution.

Performance Summary and Complaints

The Cabinet reviewed the performance summary for the fourth quarter of the financial year 2023/2024. Key performance indicators showed that while most targets were met, there were areas of concern, such as the number of sick days lost to illness and the percentage of parking transactions paid by Ringo. The Cabinet also reviewed the complaints summary for quarters 3 and 4, noting that waste and street scene, revenues and benefits, and planning were the top three services attracting complaints.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Monday, 17 June 2024, focused on reviewing the annual report and considering the work programme for the upcoming year.

Annual Report

The committee reviewed the annual report, which summarizes the work carried out over the past year, including task and finish groups, called-in items, and presentations by councillors and portfolio holders. The report will be presented to the full council for final approval in July.

Work Programme

The committee discussed potential topics for the work programme, including inviting Town and Country Housing to discuss their performance and maintenance plans, and reviewing the effectiveness of the Joint Transportation Board (JTB). The committee also considered forming task and finish groups to look into council accessibility and the operation of the JTB.

Planning Committee

The Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, included several key applications.

Benenden Hospital Development

The committee reviewed an application for the redevelopment of the Benenden Hospital site, which includes 87 new dwellings. The application was deferred to allow further discussions with the developer about financial contributions and infrastructure support.

Rocklands Cottage Parking

The committee approved an application for the creation of parking at Rocklands Cottage on Sandrock Road. The proposal includes a drop curb, fencing alterations, and the installation of surfacing, with conditions to ensure no trees are removed and visibility splays are maintained.

Implications

The decisions and discussions from these meetings have several implications:

1. Community Planning: The progression of the Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan and the approval of the High Weald AONB Management Plan highlight the council's commitment to community-led planning and environmental conservation.
2. Infrastructure and Services: The deferral of the Benenden Hospital development application underscores the importance of ensuring adequate infrastructure and services to support new developments.
3. Performance and Accountability: The review of performance indicators and complaints emphasizes the council's focus on transparency and continuous improvement in service delivery.

These meetings reflect the council's ongoing efforts to manage growth, support community initiatives, and ensure the effective delivery of services across the borough.

In the past week, the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council held two significant meetings: the Corporate Cabinet Advisory Board on Monday, 3 June 2024, and the Communities Cabinet Advisory Board on Tuesday, 4 June 2024.

Corporate Cabinet Advisory Board

The Corporate Cabinet Advisory Board meeting focused on several key financial and administrative matters.

Strategic Risk Register

The Council reaffirmed its Strategic Risk Register for the upcoming year. This register identifies and manages risks that could impact the Council's operations. The responsibility for overseeing these risks will now pass to the Audit and Governance Committee.

Financial Reports

Three critical financial reports were presented:

1. Capital Management Report: The Council's capital expenditure for the year was £15.9 million, with significant investments in the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre and local housing initiatives.
2. Revenue Management Report: The Council reported a £3.7 million underspend and a £4.7 million surplus in income, driven by increased parking and rental income.
3. Treasury and Prudential Indicator Management Report: The Council achieved an interest income of £3.342 million, significantly above the budgeted amount, due to higher interest rates and increased funds available for investment.

Performance and Complaints

The Council reviewed its performance indicators and complaints summary for the past quarter. Notably, the number of working days lost to sickness was high, and there was a significant increase in the use of healthy living services. The Council also discussed the importance of improving response times for phone calls and addressing public complaints more effectively.

Communities Cabinet Advisory Board

The Communities Cabinet Advisory Board meeting was particularly impactful, focusing on the High Weald AONB Management Plan and the Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan.

High Weald AONB Management Plan

The Board discussed the High Weald AONB Management Plan, which has been updated for 2024-2029. The plan, developed in collaboration with 14 other authorities, aims to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the High Weald area. Key recommendations include:

• Adopting the new management plan.
• Approving a service level agreement and future funding.
• Implementing a Dark Skies Planning Advice Notice to reduce light pollution.

Councillor Warren emphasized the importance of the plan:

The management plan is produced for our benefit, so I think it might be helpful to understand the kind of purpose of the management plan, you know, whether it's just there as a guide for planning or whether it's actually an informative document that we should be considering as a public body in other areas of our work. — Councillor Warren

Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan

The Board also reviewed the Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan, which has been in development since 2020. The plan has passed an independent examination and will proceed to a referendum on 5 September 2024. If successful, it will become part of the statutory development plan for Capel Parish. Councillor Farewell praised the effort:

Well done to Capel in joining that list on the borough now to getting to this stage. Why would we not support it, especially with the reassuring news that the Capel Parish Council have fully taken on board the recommendations of the independent examiner. — Councillor Farewell

Implications

The discussions and decisions from these meetings have several implications:

1. Financial Stability: The Council's strong financial performance and prudent management of resources provide a solid foundation for future investments and initiatives.
2. Environmental Stewardship: The adoption of the High Weald AONB Management Plan underscores the Council's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
3. Community Engagement: The progression of the Capel Neighbourhood Development Plan highlights the importance of community involvement in local planning and decision-making processes.

These meetings reflect the Council's ongoing efforts to manage financial resources effectively, promote sustainable development, and engage with the community to address local needs and priorities.

In the past week, the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council held a Full Council meeting on Wednesday, 29 May 2024. This meeting was particularly significant due to the election of the Deputy Mayor and the allocation of seats to political groups and committees.

Election of Deputy Mayor

The primary focus of the meeting was the election of the Deputy Mayor. Councillor David Osborne was elected as the new Deputy Mayor, succeeding Councillor Nancy Vaughan. The debate highlighted differing opinions on the qualifications necessary for the role. Councillor Heywood endorsed Councillor Palmer, emphasizing the importance of merit and long service:

If we were to choose a Deputy Mayor completely devoid of merit, it completely debases the value of those that you can see proudly presented on the boards and present in the room and that includes our new Mayor. — Councillor Heywood

However, Councillor Lidstone argued in favor of Councillor Osborne, citing his extensive involvement in the local community and his commercial experience:

He's been known as an active member of the Civic Society I believe for decades. Had a lot of input in our local area. He cares deeply about Prince's Wells and has many years of commercial experience as well. — Councillor Lidstone

The recorded vote resulted in 20 votes for Councillor Osborne and 15 against, leading to his appointment as Deputy Mayor.

Allocation of Seats to Committees

Another critical agenda item was the approval of the allocation of seats to political groups and the appointment of members to committees. This was particularly noteworthy due to the recent local elections, which resulted in a Liberal Democrat majority administration. Councillor Chapelard, the new leader, outlined the administration's three main priorities: sustainable growth and climate action, a vibrant economy, and community wellbeing.

Licensing Committee Controversy

The appointment of new chairs and vice-chairs to various committees sparked debate, particularly regarding the Licensing Committee. Concerns were raised about the inexperience of the newly appointed chair and vice-chair. Councillor Sankey expressed his dissatisfaction:

To nominate a brand new novice councillor to the role of chair and the role of vice-chair to someone with such a poor attendance record is, in my opinion, shows utter contempt for those whose livelihoods are affected by decisions made by this committee. — Councillor Sankey

Despite these concerns, the motion to approve the committee appointments was carried with 20 votes in favor and 15 against.

Implications

The decisions made in this meeting will have several implications:

1. Leadership and Representation: Councillor Osborne's election as Deputy Mayor reflects a shift towards valuing community involvement and commercial experience over long service.
2. Committee Dynamics: The new appointments, especially in the Licensing Committee, may lead to changes in how decisions are made, potentially affecting local businesses and residents.
3. Political Direction: The Liberal Democrat majority administration's focus on sustainable growth, a vibrant economy, and community wellbeing sets a clear agenda for the coming year.

These developments mark a significant moment for the Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, setting the stage for future initiatives and changes in local governance.